A test drive can reveal more than a glance under the bonnet. We'll show you how to make the most of it and what to look out for.

Lots of people treat the test drive as a mere formality – they drive a few hundred metres, the car "feels right" and that's that. Yet it's the only chance you get to check the vehicle with your own senses, not just on paper. A few simple steps can help you spot problems that aren't obvious at first glance.

Before you start the engine

Get into a cold car, not one the dealer has already had running for ten minutes. A cold start will reveal any issues with the starter, battery or unusual smoke from the exhaust. Check how long it takes for the warning lights to come on and how quickly the engine starts.

Behind the wheel in town

At low speeds, pay attention to gear changes and how the clutch and brakes behave during normal braking. Drive through a few corners and roundabouts to see how the car responds to steering and whether it pulls to one side. On cars like the Hyundai i30 or Škoda Octavia from our current stock, it's also worth trying reverse parking with the parking sensors, if fitted.

Higher speeds and motorway driving

If possible, take the car out onto a road outside town and try speeds around 90 km/h. Listen out for any humming from the wheel bearings or vibrations in the steering. On all-wheel-drive cars, such as the BMW 5 Series xDrive or Mercedes C300 4MATIC, also check how the car handles when taking a corner at a slightly higher speed.

Sounds, smells and displays

Turn off the radio and drive in silence for a while – it makes it easier to notice any tell-tale sounds from the engine, gearbox or suspension. Also watch out for any smell of burning or coolant coming from the vents. If the car has an on-board computer, go through the menu and check for any hidden error messages.

Have the paperwork and history to hand

Combine your test drive with a check of the service history and a Cebia report, so you know exactly what you're dealing with. For cars with higher mileage, such as a 2005 Škoda Superb V6, it makes sense to pay attention to how the car behaves at higher revs, where the engine's age tends to show first.

Peace of mind thanks to our guarantee

Even after a thorough test drive, something might only come to light once you're driving the car regularly at home. That's why we offer a guarantee and a 7-day return option on every car in our Olomouc stock, in case it turns out the car isn't quite right for you after all. Just come and try the car for real, take your time to decide, and feel free to discuss financing options while you're at it.